ID Card Turning Device Using Directional Rolling Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional devices for turning identification objects, such as ID cards, require significant space and multiple components, leading to increased control effort and limited throughput due to complex mechanisms and long turning processes.

Innovation Solution

A compact turning device with a receiving device that moves along a guide, utilizing a first and second rolling element with blocking devices to allow rotation in specific directions, enabling quick and efficient turning of identification objects with minimal space and components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional turning devices with multiple components and steps are used, then the identification objects can be turned over, but the device complexity increases and the space required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveturning functionVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple turning operations into a single integrated device. The receiving device with holding means and rolling elements performs both card pickup and turning functions in one unit, eliminating the need for separate gripping devices, lifting mechanisms, and pivoting cylinders found in conventional systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving device serves multiple functions: it holds the identification object, transports it along the guide, and performs the turning operation through the rolling elements. This multi-functional design reduces the overall number of components needed in the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If conventional turning devices with multiple components are used, then the identification objects can be turned over, but the area of stationary object increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveturning functionVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple turning operations into a single integrated device. The receiving device with holding means and rolling elements performs both card pickup and turning functions in one unit, eliminating the need for separate gripping devices, lifting mechanisms, and pivoting cylinders found in conventional systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The turning mechanism uses a linear guide dimension with rolling elements that rotate the card through friction contact. This approach converts a complex multi-axis mechanical turning problem into a simpler linear movement with rotational contact, reducing the spatial footprint of the turning station.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If conventional turning devices with multiple steps and long turning processes are used, then the identification objects can be turned over, but the productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveturning functionVSAvoidthroughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The turning device enables continuous operation by integrating the turning action into the linear movement process. As the receiving device moves along the guide, the rolling elements continuously rotate the card without interrupting the flow, eliminating the stop-start nature of conventional multi-step turning processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The card turning is accomplished rapidly through the friction contact of rolling elements during linear movement, skipping the time-consuming intermediate steps of conventional devices such as positioning, gripping, lifting, and gradual pivoting. The turning action is rushed through in a single continuous motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

4Reliability

If pressure is exerted on the ID card during printing from above and below, then the position of the ID card can be maintained, but the ID card may be warped or displaced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition stabilityVSAvoidpersonalization accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the card holding function from the printing process. The receiving device with holding means secures the card before turning, allowing printing to occur without applying pressure from above and below. This separates the position stabilization function from the printing operation, preventing warping while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The device allows for rapid and precise rotation of identification objects, reducing space requirements and turning time, while maintaining accurate positioning and reducing the risk of object displacement, thus enhancing processing efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

During a movement along the first bearing by means of the drive, the first rolling element rotates in the first direction. For this purpose, the receiving device performs a rotation in the first direction via the first rolling element.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2751744B1Method for turning over identification objects
Publication Date: 2015.10.21 MUEHLBAUEHR AG
  • EP2751744B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP2751744B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP2751744B1 patent drawingFigure 1c

AI summary

A device for turning over identification objects is described, comprisinga receiving device with a unit for holding an identification object, wherein the receiving device can be moved out of an initial position and along a guide, a first support, which is arranged on the guide in the movement direction of the receiving device, a first roll-off element, which is rotatably accommodated on the receiving device, the first roll-off element having a blocking device, which allows a rotation of the receiving device by means of the roll-off element only in a first direction, and a drive unit designed to move the receiving device along the guide. After movement of the receiving device out of the initial position, the first roll-off element contacts the first support and the first roll-off element carries out a rotation in the first direction during a movement along the first support by means of the drive unit, and the receiving device carries out a rotation in the first direction via the first roll-off element. During an opposite movement of the receiving device by means of the drive unit, the first roll-off element carries out a rotation in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the blocking device preventing a rotation of the receiving device.